The Global Tourism Business Association, Inc. (GTBA) has appealed to the Japanese Embassy to urgently address the growing shortage of visa appointment slots, warning that the issue is already disrupting travel plans for Filipino tourists and tour groups.
GTBA founding chairman Michelle Taylan said member agencies are struggling to secure visa appointments, with the earliest available slots reportedly pushed to April, based on information from VFS Global–accredited agencies. Compounding the problem, Taylan noted that the online appointment system of VFS Global currently shows no available slots at all.
“What’s the point of the appointment procedure if there are no slots available?” Taylan said, expressing frustration over what she described as a bottleneck that leaves travel agencies and clients with little room to maneuver.
Some GTBA members have tried to secure appointments in Cebu or Davao as an alternative, but Taylan said this option comes at a high cost and significant inconvenience, especially for Manila-based applicants.
The shortage is already affecting confirmed travel plans. Taylan cited one group scheduled to depart on March 15, 2025, which was instead given visa slots only in April—too late for their intended trip. She warned that if the situation continues, it could result in lost government travel tax revenue and push Filipino travelers to choose other destinations.
GTBA stressed that its appeal is meant to raise awareness and seek solutions, not to assign blame. “We are here to help, not to criticize,” Taylan said, underscoring the group’s intent to work with stakeholders to ease the process.
Japan remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Filipino travelers, particularly during the winter season. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization showed a 17.6 percent increase in foreign visitors in October 2024, highlighting the continued strong demand that now risks being undermined by visa processing delays.